BONUS: Shein under fire for selling child-like sex dolls

Shein is back in the headlines, as a court in Paris considers whether the fast-fashion giant’s online platform should be suspended. The retailer has faced intense scrutiny after disturbing products including child-like sex dolls - which were discovered on its site late last year. Campaigners say this isn’t just a European issue, pointing to a rise in the sale of child-like sex dolls to Australians through major online platforms like Shein and Temu. With advocates warning these dolls may normalise child abuse, and argue some platforms are using questionable tactics to bypass strict laws and border enforcement in Australia. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Caitlin Roper from Collective Shout, who is leading the campaign for stronger action. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Mundine has spent most of his life in the spotlight and by his own admission he's no stranger to danger. From the highest-paid player in the NRL to a world champion boxer, he's one of the most talked-about athletes this country has ever produced. But it's never just been about sport. Mundine has always mixed his success with politics, music, and moments that have kept him firmly in the headlines - sometimes for the right reasons, sometimes not. In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with Anthony ‘The Man’ Mundine to hear about the moments that shaped him – from growing up with little money to owning the same car as James Bond, the racism he faced on and off the field, and why he walked away from footy at the peak of his powers. They also get into his complicated relationship with the Australian media, what he really thinks about Pauline Hanson, and the deeply personal story behind his collaboration with the late Archie Roach - a song about the Stolen Generation that sat unreleased for nearly 20 years. Weekend list with Sacha Barbour Gatt Listener Matty TO LISTEN: From Zero by Linkin Park TO LISTEN: Tracy Chapman  TO TAKE: Berocca Immune Daily Defence TO PLAN: Flu vaccine  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been some major upsets in this year’s Aussie Rich List, with some standout winners and losers.  In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by the curator of the annual list, John Stensholt, to unpack the top 10 and the Aussie leaders who have made and lost billions.  Headlines:  The Prime Minister has played down being heckled while visiting a mosque in Western Sydney Trucking industry groups are warning that food costs will skyrocket as operators deal with fuel and diesel shortages US President Donald Trump has made a joke about Pearl Harbour while meeting the Japanese Prime Minister Australia has slipped to its lowest-ever ranking in the World Happiness Report Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The manosphere became the focus of content creator Flynn Martin’s online presence. He went viral for a video many called offensive and out of touch, triggering a huge backlash. Flynn now says he was 'radicalised' by figures like Andrew Tate, with the constant stream of content shaping how he saw the world. Now, he warns much of what these influencers promote is misleading and often false. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith talks to Flynn about how he got pulled into the manosphere, the role his mental health played and the support that helped him find a way out. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Tropical Cyclone Narelle to make landfall today Australian soldiers considered 'legitimate targets' by Iran Health insurance premiums to hike as much as 25% Power prices to fall by July Queen Mary and King Frederick wrap up their Australian visit Further listening: How to beat the private health hike Deep Dive: The Manosphere has hit the mainstream this week, with Louis Theroux’s Netflix documentary Inside the Manosphere exposing the very dark corner of the internet targeting young boys and men.   While it’s gaining critical acclaim for shining a light on the toxic space, others say it completely ignores the real story.   In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with the CEO of The Man Cave, Ben Vasiliou about the lessons we need to learn about the manosphere and ‘toxic masculinity’. Listen to Part 2: How I escaped the manosphere here Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s fuel crisis is intensifying, with empty bowsers, soaring prices, and growing fears it could spill into a full-blown shortage. In response, the Prime Minister has announced a new national task force to keep petrol and diesel flowing. But will it actually fix the problem… or is it just political theatre? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Seven News Political Reporter, Josh Martin, to unpack the latest developments.  Headlines:  There’s been a concerning escalation in the war in the Middle East, with key gas plants targeted in ongoing strikes. The Former Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Centre has broken his silence over the Iran war after sensationally quitting from the top job Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has brushed off speculation that she could face a leadership challenge And Australia’s unemployment rate has increased to 4.3% Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Emergency National Cabinet meeting called amid fuel shortage fears Iranian women’s soccer team back in Iran as third senior leader killed Changes coming for Australia’s tobacco laws Pauline Hanson confronts SA Premier Possum hides among soft toys at Hobart Airport Deep Dive: Have you ever heard of water cremation? What about human composting or natural burials?   These are some of the greener ways Aussies are choosing to dispose of their bodies after they die, in place of traditional burials or cremations.    In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Dr Sandra van der Laan talks about the newest and greenest ways to go when you die.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s long been hailed as the breakthrough treatment – but now a breakthrough study on medicinal cannabis has found it's not effective in treating common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by lead author of the study, Dr Jack White, who unpacks the groundbreaking research and why he’s calling for tighter regulations on medicinal cannabis prescriptions.  Headlines:  Australian military facilities in the UAE have been damaged in an Iranian attack The Prime Minister has urged Australians not to panic buy petrol  Residents in Far North Queensland are bracing for Tropical Cyclone Narelle  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Sandilands has released a statement this morning saying his $100 million contract with ARN has been terminated - and he's not going quietly.   The split follows a very public on-air fight between Kyle and Jackie O, a walk-out, competing legal claims, and a 14-day ultimatum that just ran out.  In this breaking news episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt walks through the latest development, what Sandilands is saying, and why this saga is far from over.  Further listening:  Inside the Kyle & Jackie no show Who really split Kyle & Jackie O  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:  Australia’s big four banks pass on interest rate rise  Donald Trump calls out Australia in scathing post Potential jail time for displaying banned Islamic symbols in NSW Pauline Hanson fails to properly declare Gina Rinehart flights Matildas book spot in Asian Cup final Deep Dive: Mass layoffs are sweeping through the tech sector, with one of Australia's biggest success stories cutting hundreds of local jobs in the name of efficiency.   Across the industry, artificial intelligence is being pointed to as part of the explanation - raising questions about whether AI is genuinely reshaping work or simply becoming the most convenient scapegoat in corporate history.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with AFR senior columnist James Thomson about “AI washing,” what the new wave of tech layoffs signal and whether Australia’s economy is ready for what’s next.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.